List of Popular Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Tools With Features & Comparison. Read This Review to Select The Best WSUS Tool For Your Requirements:
Keeping the operating system up-to-date helps prevent an attack against computer viruses. Patches help update the system security by protecting the areas within your system that can be exploited by malicious users.
Windows Server Update Services tools are an important tool in this regard that can help ensure that your system remains protected against detected security vulnerabilities.
These tools are used by system administrators to manage the distribution of system updates in multiple environments. WSUS software is used to check for updates and patches and implement them on all computers across the network on Windows Server and other operating systems.
In this post, we will review popular tools that can be used for diagnosing and troubleshooting Windows Server update agents.
Our TOP Recommendations:
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| NinjaOne | SolarWinds |
| • Cross-platform automations • Automate patching for 135+ applications • Real-time visibility into patch compliance | • Third-party patching • Remote software deployment tools • Security patch management |
| Price: Quote-based Trial version: Available | Price: Free Trial version: 30 days |
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What You Will Learn:
- Frequently Asked Questions About WSUS Software
- List of Most Popular WSUS Tools
- Comparison of Top Windows Server Update Services Tools
- #1) NinjaOne
- #2) ManageEngine Patch Connect Plus
- #3) Solarwinds Diagnostic Tool for WSUS Agent
- #4) Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic Tool
- #5) BatchPatch
- #6) adfdesign’s WSUS tool
- #7) WSUS Offline Tool
- #8) Solarwinds Patch Manager
- #9) Microsoft WSUS Reporting Rollup Sample Tool
- Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions About WSUS Software
Q #1) What is WSUS software?
Answer: A WSUS tool is used to manage updates and patches released for Windows operating systems. The patches are released by Microsoft to fix system loopholes that can be exploited by hackers to gain access to the system and data.
Using the app, administrators can specify critical system updates that should be installed automatically. System administrators can also set the option of manually updating certain updates.
Q #2) What are the uses of the WSUS app?
Answer: Windows produces patch logs and reports. The reports contain information about patches and updates installed on the system. But going through the reports on different systems can be cumbersome. WSUS is an essential application that helps with Windows patch management.
Network admins can use the tool to ensure that the latest patches are installed on all the systems running Windows operating systems.
Q #3) What are the general features of the tool?
Answer: These tools have different functions. The tools check the Microsoft servers for updates and patches and download them in a central repository. The apps allow network admins to approve and block certain system updates and patches. Also, the tool lets admins set the date on which updates will be installed on systems with Windows operating systems.
Q #4) Why keeping systems up-to-date is important
Answer: Keeping software up-to-date is important to avoid security threats. Hackers exploit known vulnerabilities to the system to carry out online attacks. You will put your systems at risk if you don’t update them regularly.
Using a Windows Server Update Service tool will help in the management of updates and patches on different systems. The tools let you carry out the diagnostic of update agents and resolve issues.
List of Most Popular WSUS Tools
- NinjaOne
- ManageEngine Patch Connect Plus
- Solarwinds Diagnostic Tool for WSUS Agent
- Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic Tool
- BatchPatch
- adfdesign’s WSUS tool
- WSUS Offline Tool
- Solarwinds Patch Manager
- Microsoft WSUS Reporting Rollup Sample Tool
Comparison of Top Windows Server Update Services Tools
| Best WSUS Software | Best For | Platform | Features | Price | Free Trials | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NinjaOne | OS patching for Windows, Mac, and Linux. | Cross-platform | Easy to use tools, automation of OS & third-party application patching, etc. | Quote-based | Quote-based. | 5/5 |
ManageEngine Patch Connect Plus | Serves as an extension for Microsoft SCCM with patch management capabilities. | Cross-Platform | OS Patching, Automatic Application updating, Patch compliance, Real-time visibility. | Starts at $3 per device. | 30 days | 5/5 |
Solarwinds Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent  | Troubleshooting connection and validating the Update Agent. | Windows operating systems | · Validates machine state and configuration values · Troubleshoot communication between the WSUS server and client · Background intelligent transfer service monitor | Free | N/A | 5/5 |
Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic Tool | Troubleshooting communication between Windows server and client machines for free. | Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003. | · Command-line interface · Check communication status between client and WSUS server · Manually run the tool on each client | Free | N/A | 4.7/5 |
Batch Patch | Create daily and weekly schedules for any activity | Windows Vista, 7, 8/8.1, 10, and Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019. | · Install updates remotely · Patch multiple computers at the same time · Real-time monitoring of the status · Remote patch management | Pricing starts at $399 for a single user and goes up to $3745 for 15 users. | Fully functional free trial supports up to 4 simultaneous hosts | 5/5 |
ADFDesign’s WSUS tool  | Diagnosing and debugging WSUS issues on Windows operating systems for free. | Windows operating systems | · Detect and resolve Windows update issues · Supports Windows 10 and Server 2012 R2, 2016, and 2019 · Resolve WSUS cloning issue · Send reporting events to the server | Free | N/A | 5/5 |
#1) NinjaOne
Best for OS patching for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Price: NinjaOne offers a free trial of the platform. For pricing, it follows the pay-per-device model. There will be monthly billing plans. You can get a quote for pricing details. As per reviews, the price of the platform is $3 per device per month.
NinjaOne is an RMM platform that can modernize your IT operations. It offers functionalities for powerful cross-platform automation. You will be able to automate patch management for all internet-connected endpoints. You will have complete control over the patch management of each endpoint.
NinjaOne is a solution for securing all the endpoints, automating the patching of OS and third-party applications, and managing endpoints on & off-network.
Features:
- NinjaOne offers OS patching functionalities for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Without any input, NinjaOne’s patching engine can keep 135+ applications up-to-date.
- Any end-point with an internet connection can be patched by this solution.
- It gives real-time visibility into patch compliance.
Verdict: NinjaOne is a cloud-native patching solution and offers easy-to-use tools. It can automate the identification and remediation of vulnerabilities across your entire IT portfolio. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms for patching. It is easy to use, set up, and provides quality support.
#2) ManageEngine Patch Connect Plus
Best for: Primarily built as an extension for Microsoft SCCM, that adds third-party application and patch management capabilities using WSUS, Patch Connect Plus has considerably expanded today, and even enables the distribution of software updates using WSUS as a standalone tool.
Additionally, the product also serves as a bridge between Microsoft SCCM and Intune, automating the management of software applications and updates for both on-premise and cloud endpoints.
Price: Product pricing depends on the edition and the number of computers that are required to be managed. Standard Edition starts at $325 for 250 computers, while the Professional and Enterprise editions start at $625 and $995 respectively, for the same number or managed computers.
Features:
- Assess the state of your WSUS server.
- Deploy third-party updates right from WSUS.
- Manage applications and updates for Microsoft SCCM & Intune.
- Native SCCM plug-in, admin tools, and more.
#3) Solarwinds Diagnostic Tool for WSUS Agent
Best for Troubleshooting connection and validating the Update Agent on all versions of Windows operating systems.
Price: Free.
SolarWinds Diagnostic for WSUS Agent tool supports basic patch management. The free tool lets you monitor Windows Update Agent configuration settings.
Features:
- Validates machine state and configuration values
- Troubleshoot communication between the WSUS server and client
- Background intelligent transfer service monitor
Verdict: Solarwinds diagnostic tool for WSUS agents is completely free. The tool is great for small businesses that want to address issues with the WSUS agent.
#4) Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic Tool
Best for: Troubleshooting communication between Windows server and client machines for free on Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003.
Price: Free.
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Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic tool is a command-line tool that is compatible with Windows Server 2000 and 2003. The tool helps network admins perform a detailed diagnostic check to find out the connection between client and WSUS servers.
The tool runs on the client machine due to which the admin has to visit each machine to check the status of each client. No product support is available for the tool.
Features:
- Command-line interface
- Check communication status between client and WSUS server
- Manually run the tool on each client
Verdict: Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic Tool is the default tool available for Windows Server. The tool can be used as a simple diagnostic tool for evaluating the status of client machines that may fail to report to WSUS servers. You should look for an alternative if you want advanced patch management features.
Website: Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic Tool
#5) BatchPatch
Best for: Installation of updates remotely across the network on systems running Windows Vista, 7, 8/8.1, 10, and Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019.
Price: The pricing of BatchPatch is based on the number of users. The price starts at $399 for a single user and goes up to $3745 for 15 users. The software can be purchased with one or two years of support and update protection. Additionally, a fully functional free trial version is available for download that supports only 4 simultaneous hosts in a grid.
BatchPatch is a versatile tool that helps to update the management of different Widows operating systems. The software allows remote patch management of multiple systems. It serves as a central distribution point for distributing Windows updates and patches. Remote agent installation is not required for deploying the updates.
Features:
- Install updates remotely
- Patch multiple computers at the same time
- Real-time monitoring of the status
- Remote patch management
Verdict: BatchPatch is a great tool for advanced patch management on Windows operating system. The tool helps save time in deploying patches to multiple systems.
Website: BatchPatch
#6) adfdesign’s WSUS tool
Best for: Diagnosing and debugging WSUS issues on Windows operating systems for free.
Price: Free.
adfdesign’s tool allows you to carry out simple diagnostic and troubleshooting of WSUS services. The free tool has a simple user interface that allows the diagnosis and installation of Windows update with the click of a button. You can also resolve the Windows Server Update Service cloning issue with this tool.
Additionally, the tool allows you to send queued events to the server. While the tool requires installation on each endpoint on a network, it can be controlled from a centralized location using remote management software.
Features:
- Detect and resolve Windows update issues
- Supports Windows 10 and Server 2012 R2, 2016, and 2019
- Resolve Windows Server Update Service cloning issue
- Send reporting events to the server
Verdict: adfdesign’s tool is ideal for simple updates and patch management of Windows operating systems. The tool lets you detect and resolve basic update issues easily on different operating systems.
Website: adfdesign’s WSUS tool
#7) WSUS Offline Tool
Best for: Updating any computer offline running Microsoft Windows 7, 8.1, 10, Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, Server 2016, MS Office and legacy products for free.
Price: Free.
WSUS Offline Update is a free tool that lets you update Windows, Office, and legacy products. The application allows you to update the system offline. You can select missing Microsoft updates including C++ libraries, remote desktop clients, security installations, and more.
Features:
- Updates windows products offline
- Uses Windows Server Update Service Update Agent for patch installation
- Allows security updates of older systems
Verdict: WSUS Offline tool is a simple tool for updating Windows security and other components for free. A unique aspect of the tool is that it lets you update the systems offline quickly and safely. In this way, you can update older operating systems such as Windows 7 that is not supported by Microsoft anymore.
Website: WSUS Offline Tool
#8) Solarwinds Patch Manager
Best for: Advanced patch management.
Price: The pricing of Patch Manager Start at $6,400 that supports advanced patch management features, including centralized and automated installation, schedule patches at specific times, generate reports, and more. You can try the software for 30-days to test the functionalities.
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Solarwinds Patch Manager helps admins check the status of user rights, update service status, background intelligent transfer service status, and windows update agent version. Advanced functions include carrying out centralized patch installation, notifications about failed updates, scheduling, and reporting.
Features:
- Scheduled patch and update deployment
- 3rd party and pre-built test packages
- Compatible with WSUS and SCCM
- Report generation
- Vulnerable management tool
Verdict: Solarwinds Patch Manager is a powerful diagnostic tool package that is geared towards enterprises. The tools allow professional updates and patch management for multiple systems.
Website: Solarwinds Patch Manager
#9) Microsoft WSUS Reporting Rollup Sample Tool
Best for: Centralized monitoring and reporting for Windows Server Update Service on Windows Server 2000 and 2003 operating systems.
Price: Free.
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Microsoft WSUS Reporting Rollup Sample Tool is a free Microsoft tool that is best for managing multiple WSUS servers. The tool collects information from different update servers and displays the results on the screen.
Features:
- Centralized monitoring and reporting of WSUS
- Update multiple Windows Server Update Service servers
- Customized report scripts
Verdict: Microsoft WSUS Reporting Rollup Sample Tool is suitable for networks consisting of multiple WSUS servers. It is not suitable for networks with a centralized server.
Website: Microsoft WSUS Reporting Rollup Sample Tool
Conclusion
Updating the operating system and components is an important activity for minimizing security threats. Windows Server Update Services tools help with the management of patches and updates of security features, device drivers, critical system components, and more. The tool plays an important part in the security of networks.
You can select a Windows Server Update Service tool based on your requirements. For basic patch management, you can use the free tools such as ManageEngine diagnostic tool for WSUS Agent, Microsoft WSUS Client Diagnostic Tool, and adfdesign’s tool. WSUS Offline Tool is great if you want to update older systems that are not supported by Microsoft.
For professional level patch management, the best Windows Server Update Service diagnostic tools include ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus and SolarWinds Patch Manager.
Research Process
- Time taken to research this article: 7 hours
- Total tools researched: 16
- Top tools shortlisted: 8